What the Heck Are These Things, and Why Are They All Over Maine Cities?

Have you guys seen one of these before? Chances are you have. I've been walking past them my whole life, and never thought once to ask what they actually are. Some sort of miniature clock tower? A sun dial? Mustache trimming stations? Well, maybe in Portland, but these guys are everywhere. So the question remains - what the heck is it?

As it turns out, they contain old emergency phones, used for calling the police or fire department before the days of regularly available landlines. Whether they still work or not is unknown, but we may go and try it if we get the chance...